Turtle Island Beads

Wow. I was amazed when I walked in the door. This place is HUGE! I soon realized that I had not given myself enough time to completely look through everything. It is really that good! I was even a little overwhelmed, which doesn’t happen very often with bead stores.
They had tons of magazines and books to buy, which I love. They also had back issues of the best beading magazines. Something else I liked was the free project sheets set out around the store. It’s a really nice touch. They had loads of seed beads, czech glass, crystals and gemstone strands. I could’ve spent an hour looking through the pendant beads alone! They also had tons of tools, base metal, silver, and gold (filled?) findings. I also liked that they carried a huge supply of gift boxes to put your bead presents in. I can’t think of much that they DIDN’T have! They were also having a great sale on metal charms. They had hundreds to choose from at .50 per piece. They also had another charm area with tons of Tierra Cast charms. They were $ 1 each or 12/​$ 10. I paid at least $ 3.50 each for the same beads at the Milwaukee show recently!
My only complaint about the store was the gemsone strand prices. They seemed to run about 25% higher than the other stores I’ve been to. I’ve heard they have awesome sales though, and I will plan on driving up to Baraboo when I hear about one. I was really bummed when I found out from another customer that I’d missed a big tent sale the weekend before. I wish she hadn’t told me that! I hate missing a good sale!
In conclusion, I think Turtle Island Beads may be the BEST bead store I’ve ever been to. I was impressed. I was just there yesterday (Friday) and I would drive back up on Sunday if they weren’t closed on Sundays. It’s definitely worth the trip!
ADDENDUM: Turtle Island Beads has closed. I’m so sad. This place was top-​notch. I’m sorry to see them go.